Nine. Nine line breaks this chapter. It goes all over the place, but I had to because if I wrote it all as one large section, I'd be confused, you'd be confused. You'd yell at me, then I'd be sad, then I cancel the story out of retaliation...
Just kidding! :)
The War Game is not over yet. Remember that.
...
Meanwhile, at Twilight Manor, the executives of Loki Familia were watching the War Game through the Divine Mirrors. Such special uses of Arcanum are few and far between. Hermes had asked permission from Lord Ouranos and it went to all the Gods. Once the War Game was over, at the end of the day, the use of Arcanum would be forbidden. Again, this was a rare exception.
"That was…" Riveria stated, looking to Isaac, who was hiding a shit-eating grin.
"Yep, that was one of Grandma's spells," Isaac said. "She has about two dozen more memorized and waiting. I just wonder what people are saying about the magic swords."
"Two dozen?!" Tiona's eyes shined with curiosity.
Isaac nodded, "She takes her magic studies seriously, and she probably won't use them all, for secrecy's sake. Just like I take my sparring lessons seriously. As much as a magic sword would be great for my style, I'm not going to force Welf to bend the knee for it. I'm respecting his boundaries."
"No one has seen true Crozzo magic swords since Rakia's empire, and that was… a long time ago, and even now, the magic swords don't compare," Finn said, sitting behind a desk, looking through the Mirror that Loki provided. The Prum Captain was interested to see what Bell Cranel could do. He certainly has given Orario a kick in the shin with his sudden appearance and accelerated rank up. Finn would bet that the Gods who rejected him were regretting their choice right now.
Gareth sat across from Finn, stroking his beard, scrutinizing every detail he could. The dwarf was taking an easy day, as normally, he'd be training, but as a show of good faith, he gave them the next two days off. One for today, and one for the potential celebration after the fact.
Tiona gushed about Bell being all cool, Bete was leaning against the wall with an indifferent expression. Tione watched with veiled interest. Ais was solely focused on Bell. Loki just wanted to watch and get drunk. Lefiya watched as the fireball impacted the castle. The young girl wondered how much she would rival against her. While Irene has access to any spell, Lefiya has access to only Elf-related spells.
As for Dia, she was with Hestia in Babel watching with a multitude of other Gods and Goddesses. However, the reason for that was so when they win, Dia can slap Apollo again because he deserves it. Plus, it was customary for the Gods—whether they be the challenger or challengee—to be at Babel for the duration. They were to be no nefarious games because the terms they made before the Game must be settled once it's over.
Breaking any of their terms will result in expulsion to Tenkai, with no hope of ever returning to the lower world. The punishments were harsh so that no one was above the rule.
"She did say she spent a while looking over her status sheet, trying to memorize them. So considering she got that one must mean she got a few of them," Isaac said. Irene had gone back and requested it once more to make sure she got all of the details correct.
Gareth laughed boisterously, "That sounds like the lass. She studied for hours on end while she was here. I even thought she disappeared when I hadn't seen her."
"When will they be absorbed into her status?" Riveria asked. She never did get Sofia's answer to that.
The young elf shrugged, "I don't know. For all I know, it could be just there next time Dia does an update. I think she's going to surpass me if she hasn't already. And Gareth, when she's serious, she's quiet, and her concentration is hard to break."
"Why would you think that?" Loki asked, turning her attention to him, getting him back to his previous point.
Turning back to face her, "She's already excelling at magic, and when I trained her, she picked up a lot of it in one go. She easily has the potential to be a top-tier adventurer. And for some reason, I'm prideful for that," Isaac said with a goofy smile. "Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to support her any way I can, it's the least I can do…" he mumbled under his breath.
Apparently not soft enough though, as Bete's ears twitched and he scoffed. Isaac regarded him with his eyes, wondering if he was going to call him out. Thankfully, he didn't.
"So, Isaac," Finn called out. "What would you do in this situation?" He wanted to test him, see if he has the know-how of strategy.
Isaac looked back to the Mirror and spoke carefully. He didn't notice Riveria looking at Finn with a look of disapproval. Yet, she wanted to know the answer too.
"Well, if their plan went accordingly, Mikoto is most likely inside ready to cause a diversion. The mystery figure is only there for the first of many diversions. And I know something that you all don't…" he smirked, pleased with the raised eyebrows from everyone present in the room. "Then, we have Bell, Welf, and Irene. They're the main strike force. Once the distractions are cleared, Bell will have a straight shot to Hyakinthos and a winner will be decided. As for how it's going to work, I'm thinking like it's the Dungeon, Bell's vanguard, Welf's the rearguard, and Irene is the mage. Since Irene is so special, there needs to be a clear line between them. That, and with the smile she had on her face after tossing Blazing Meteor, she was looking forward to flexing."
"You know who this mystery person is, don't you?" Loki was pressing him.
"I'm not going to answer that because now this is feeling like an interrogation," Isaac retorted, his face now blank. "Honestly, have some tact, please. You asked what I thought, and I told you. Don't make me have to lie to you, Lady Loki…" Loki grinned, not pressing, but it was nice to know that he would even lie straight up to a Goddess—who'd easily see through it—just to protect someone. Isaac then smirked again, a teasing tone attached, "Mum, they're being mean to me!"
If he could have said it with a higher-pitched voice, he would have. However, he was being respectful of the people with sensitive ears.
Tiona and Tione giggled, while Finn suppressed a chuckle. Loki just nodded in respect. Riveria blushed before hitting him on the head or attempted to. Isaac knew it was coming and dodged. Lefiya looked appalled for about three seconds before remembering their relationship. Bete, of course, was Bete. The wolf snorted but didn't let it show that he was smirking.
"Well played," Riveria said before calming the blush on her face.
"If you don't want me to call you 'Mum' in public then tell me, I'd respect that," Isaac said with another shrug.
The Loki Familia kept that in mind as they turned back to the Game.
Before the War Game started let's head to the thirtieth floor of Babel.
Apollo was sitting and waiting for both Dia and Hestia to stop conversing with the other Deities. Once they did, he strode over to them, "Good morning, ladies."
Dia turned first and her eyes went from kind and gentle, to hardened and closed-off. Hestia's expression dropped into an indifferent mask. Apollo noticed Dia's wrist twitch again. He'd very much like to not be on the receiving end. For when she slapped him the first time, he had hidden his reaction and once she left, he had screamed like a baby for hours. The sting was unbearable.
"I wish to not speak to you until the War Game is over, Apollo, but if I have to, I will. I think it would benefit all of us. The moment the game is over, no matter the outcome, I am so ready."
Apollo happened to grow a brain in the last few moments and wisely did not ask what Dia was ready for.
"Ouranos, permission to use our divine power to spectate the War Game?" Hermes's voice boomed over the central table. Normally, this floor is used for Denatus, but special cases are made for days such as this.
"Granted."
Hermes snapped his fingers and a Divine Mirror appeared over the table and expanded into a wide view screen for all to see. The best part about the Mirrors is that its reality-bending ways allow anyone to view it as long as you can see it.
Ibri Achaa of the Ganesha Familia made a grandiose speech about how the wait is over, the War Game is here, and the stakes couldn't be any higher. The Gods appreciated the vain attempt at trying to appease them. However, the man was more focused on the mortals betting absurd amounts of valis to see who would win.
Even though the Guild had posted the conditions of the Game, some really didn't grasp the implications these really had.
"Now, the moment you've all been waiting for. Lord Ganesha, I leave the honor to you," Ibri said.
"I am Ganesha!" The God said as he struck the bell next to him signaling the official start of the War Game.
The view then switched to the castle, and it stayed there until the first fireball. Come on, Irene, Bell, Welf, Mikoto, Lili, and Ryuu. I believe in you, come back to me safe. Isaac, you best cheer for your sister.
Hestia had similar thoughts, Show them what it means to mess with our Familia.
Ryuu was still standing outside of the castle. She heard someone shout that Hyakinthos ordered that fifty of the best here go out and challenge her. Ryuu allowed herself to smile under her mask. Maybe they'll actually be a challenge. Since she rarely ever goes into the Dungeon except on the eighteenth floor to visit her Familia, she normally has no such entertainment. This was only a spark in comparison to adventurers she used to go on.
As the fifty challengers exited the castle, one of them was that elf that attacked the Complex. Ryuu narrowed her eyes on them. Her swords were at the ready. They surrounded her on all sides. However, one was foolish to charge ahead and with sluggish movement from them, she tripped them with her boot and then ax-kicked them to the dirt. "Too slow," she whispered under her breath.
The elf that led them was angry once he noticed her ears, "You're an elf? And you're using those cursed swords?! Do you have no pride?!"
Ryuu scoffed, "If using magic swords makes me a heretic in your eyes, then I'll gladly accept it if it means defending my friends. What happened to the forests is in the past. If you're holding onto that resentment, then you need a reality check."
"Get her!" They shouted in rage. Fifteen of them dived in her, but since her level advantage was so high, she slipped in between the cracks, sending a wave of fire in their direction. It hit seven of them and knocked them out. The intense heat and the sheer surprise of it appearing was enough to halt their advance. With that, she immediately started using the flat side of the blades to deflect attacks. The blades will only break if used enough. However, I won't fully believe that and must be prepared.
Ryuu was not dissing Welf's craftsmanship, but merely stating a possibility. If the blade broke, she knew a multitude of fighting styles to compensate. Another three tried to attack her blind spot, but their rising intent was what gave them away. Kicking away the eighth person to turn on the ninth through eleventh, she blew them away with the wind.
This process repeated until the last ten members of the fifty remained. Ryuu swung the fire sword and only a weak flame came out. To equate the force, it would be a Hellhound spouting fire on Salamander Wool; basically negligible. The sword crumbled up, lost all of its color, and faded to dust. The wind sword lost its magic power too, before following the flame magic sword.
"She's got nothing, get her!" One of them shouted. They clearly underestimated her. As soon as the swords finally faded from existence. The first of ten immediately tried to cut her down. Using her agility and dexterity, she hit their wrist, throwing their aim off-center and tumbling to the ground.
The second and third tried to do a pincer attack. "Amateurs," she mumbled. "Do they at least know how to hold a sword or dagger?" Ryuu slid underneath their legs before turning, grabbing their heads, and colliding them together.
Reaching down to her side, she pulled out her wooden sword, Alf's Lumina, and batted away her attackers. This was the first time she directly used her weapons to defend, as up to this point, she was manipulating the momentum of others to propel her movements.
She continued to knock them down until the last one was left. "Wait… you're-"
They didn't get to finish their thought as Ryuu knocked them out. "Well, that's over with." Sheathing Alf's Lumina on her waist, she looked over to see a bright white beam protruding out of the castle. Since no one was around, she facepalmed, "Mr. Cranel, going overboard as usual."
Mikoto took advantage of what it gave her. Even so, she was spotted after about thirty seconds. It was Luan, "Somebody stop her!"
*Smokescreen!*
Mikoto then saw the smoke rise in front of her, conveniently, she was able to see. She really has useful spells. It's just what I needed. I wonder if I would be able to acquire this. It would make stealth and escaping detection easier.
As she ran, she dodged various blows meant for her, well, if they could see. Even though she should be covering her mouth, she can breathe just fine. She felt the change in the air. Her instincts told her to run.
Mikoto felt a sweat drop run down her neck. Irene's rising intent was something that she could never hope to match. Escaping the smoke with a whoosh, she heard Irene's voice and an intense heat pounding on her backside. If she had been any closer, then it would have signed off some hair. "Lady Irene, you are something else."
She didn't stop running, but she did start chanting her magic, and it was a long chant. Definitely one of the harder ones, and Mikoto's ability to concurrently chant was shoddy at best. For her, as long as she got the words strung together in a decent fashion, she could get the spell off. "I respectfully speak to you, my War God that can break through anything, lead me from the precious heaven." She pushed off a burly man to propel her forward, into the proper area. She needed to snag at least twenty of them. "Give my petty body divine power of your grand body. Rescue them light of purification, sword of crushing evil." Mikoto moved her katana from her sheath and parried a horizontal slash and deflected a punch. Her words stuttered once, "S-Sweep sword of s-suppression, sacred sword of conquest. It arrives here now by my order. D-Descend from heaven, rule the earth - shinbu tousei."
Mikoto leaped off a side wall, sheathed her katana, landed, and weaved her hands together in a beautiful display. Multiple members of Apollo Familia tried to rush her, but Mikoto was already done.
*Futsunomitama!*
A violet circle spawned under her feet, and a sword descended from the heavens. The sword made from dark magic struck the ground and the circle expanded to ten meders at its widest point. In between Mikoto's hands was a violet ball or box that she was attempting to squish. However, it gave resistance.
But that was the point.
The people around her fell to their knees and some went right to their stomachs, lying parallel to the ground, yet Mikoto was still standing. It was something that had to be commended. She was forcing her hands together, making the gravity field that much more potent. Even those outside the effective range felt the heavy presence of gravity. It was only because of Mikoto's current magic stat that resided in the H range.
Projectiles did nothing as once they approached, they were sent to the floor. Thankfully, none of the people on the forums were stabbed with a wayward arrow.
"I've done all I can, Sir Bell. The rest resides on you." She didn't know how long she could hold it, but as long as she was able to, that was another chunk of their enemies out of the way. "Go support him, Lady Irene."
Lili had one of the most important jobs of them all, and that was sabotage. See, for full context, one must understand her magic, Cinder Ella. It allows Lili to transform into anything as long as it's similar or smaller than her size. She's a Prum, so naturally, most things are bigger than her, except other Prums.
Right now, she was Luan. They may have captured the real Luan and allowed Lili ample amounts of time with him to learn his mannerisms and how to talk like him. It was simple really, almost too easy.
Currently, he was being monitored by Miach, in an undisclosed location. After the War Game, they'll let him go. Unfortunately, Luan's reputation will suffer. Lili doesn't feel remorse though, they attacked Master Bell, so it's fair.
Just minutes ago, Orario witnessed probably one of the biggest betrayals of all time, in War Game history. Lili, disguised as Luan, opened the castle gate, allowing Master Bell, Master Welf, and Mistress Irene inside. There was a pleased grin on her face. Lili noticed she looked off to the left and up slightly. Her expression dropped a moment later before gaining a sneer. With Lili's height, she saw it all, even if she tried to hide it.
"Thanks for that," Bell praised 'Luan.'
"Not a problem, Master Bell," 'Luan' responded, but the tone and mannerisms were all Lili.
"If you need my help, shout, I need to go do something…" Irene said, clutching her staff tightly before taking off. Using some loose stones as footholds, she got on top of the wall. There were screams a moment later.
The twins have been a huge help. Lili knew that they could wipe them out if both of them had been here. She could imagine the look of excitement Master Isaac would have if he had the chance to fight Captain Hyakinthos.
When Lili heard that both of them fought in Lady Nike's arena, she immediately understood how much of an advantage they had. It must be uncommon knowledge. Lili could see Mistress Irene standing on the castle walls, looking over the battle with a satisfied smile. She seemed to have dealt with at least half a dozen archers that resided on the wall. She noticed her helping Mistress Mikoto with a smokescreen. Just how many spells did you learn, Lili wonders?
The Prum dropped the disguise as a pillar of white light ignited in the barren sky, "Master Bell! Don't be so reckless! Lili knows what that skill does to you!"
After Irene jumped up to the wall, the archers turned to her, arrows drawn. Aspis stood in front of them, and with her intent dripping off her like an oasis in a scorching desert—points for irony—she glared at them. Her Dia Familia cloak rested gently on her shoulders.
No wind made her cloak flutter in the breeze. What, this isn't drama, this is war! "You have five seconds to get out of my path, or I will throw you. You call me names, you're the first one I target. So let's see who's wise and who's not."
None of them were.
"Look, it's the bitch! What are you going to do, hit us with that staff?" One of them taunted.
The group of six had five males and one female, except this female had wide eyes and was getting paler and paler.
"Care to repeat that? That can be your last words if you're not careful," Irene said, gripping her staff, but reached for her tanto, which rested beneath her cloak. Her intent was rising higher and higher and the girl got even more sickly.
The training she underwent in the arena was relearned in a matter of days, thanks to Isaac. He knew the lessons well and could teach them himself if prompted, as he had demonstrated. She planned on using the lessons and applying them here, but she planned to be a little vindictive, especially now.
"You know, she's pretty, you think after we knock her out m, we can hav-" they didn't finish that sentence as… nothing hit… them?
Au contraire, Irene thought at random. She did hit them with something. That something was a very important thing. Some people didn't know what that something was. This something was something that everyone who lives on the planet needs to function. Air.
She hit them with air, more specifically, a swift-strike spell. It was more of an air blade, but Irene liked to think of it as 'concentrated air' because of its effect. The name of it was misleading, but it was called…
*Shockwave!*
It could have meant sound, electricity, or air. In this case, it meant air. It seemed that swift-strike magic was like a series. It has multiple parts. This was one, Isaac had another, Bell had one. There's probably more that have yet to be discovered.
Her Mind hasn't taken a beating, thanks to Spirit Healing, the mind she's using is regenerating. It was slow, but she didn't want to use the Enhanced Spirit Healing, since that one would only be for Dungeon purposes.
"Would you like to continue? I already threw one of you from my familia home to Babel, and I was only giving him a love tap. Let's see how far I can throw one of you…" her eyes narrowed into slits and charged.
For their level two vision, except for the girl, she saw her run through and hit them all, aiming for non vital areas. She even saw a shuriken flash only for it to be embedded into an adventurer's side.
Besides herself, the last one standing was the one making the comment about doing nefarious things to her. She used her speed and dexterity to wrap an arm around their neck, her weapons on the ground, "If you were a demi-human, I'd refrain from making a joke, but if you had pig features, I'd really like to see you fly…" her voice was laced with venom. Her breath ghosted over the shell of their ear, which triggered a fetish of theirs.
"M-More…" they murmured.
That set her off, she grabbed them by the collar and by their belt and with a great effort, threw them off the castle. "Survive that, asshole!" Irene wanted to douse her hands in every cleaning supply possible. She shivered in disgust. Her eyes then filed onto the last person standing.
"You… you're that figure from my dream… the one to bring in the Rabbit. A wolf in sheep's clothing…" she was shaking in fear. "You've come to reap us all."
Aspis faded back into Irene, picking up her weapons, a little confused with what she was talking about, "What's your name?"
"C-Cassandra Ilion. L-Level T-Three."
The younger twin of Dia Familia nodded to herself, "And what's with that mumbo jumbo you're spouting?"
"A-Aren't we supposed to fight?" The level three mage asked.
Irene deadpanned, "You really want to fight? I didn't even want to be in a War Game, but here we are, doing something we both wanted no part of." She took one step closer, making Cassandra yelp and take a few hasty steps back.
"Don't come any closer!" She shouted.
Irene rolled her eyes, before appearing in front of Cassandra. The poor girl didn't have a chance to react. Her wrist was in Irene's grasp and if she so chose, she could break her wrist like a twig, "Tell you what, Cassandra, let's talk. I want to hear more about your mumbo jumbo speak. It seems that you are terribly misunderstood, am I right?"
Irene knew she was right when Cassandra's eyes lit up with an emotion that she knew all too well: Hope.
At the Hostess of Fertility, the waitresses watched with rapt concentration. The only thing bringing them out of it was the customers. Even Mama Mia was watching with glee and trepidation. She knew that someone was enjoying this far too much. She didn't even snap at Lunoire or Chloe. Anya even dropped a dish in shock when she saw Irene throw that fireball. She cleaned it, of course, albeit robotically.
Mia knew exactly who had that spell, and what it could do. Before the incident, and before Mia partially left her familia, she had spoken to this person. They had conversed about how well it was going to go.
They had said that it was going to go poorly, but they would be optimistic, and it was the one time that Mia had been able to read their emotions.
They were fucking terrified that day and that expression stuck with Mia for the days prior, during, and long after it happened. She would have gone with them, but her deity forbade her from assisting. It was the driving reason why she had partially left her familia. "Looks like she's shaping up to be a fine successor…" Mia turned to see everyone watching the Mirror with jaws on the floor. "She used like four different spells, she had to be cheating!"
"Aren't you an idiot? That has to be like a… a mini Hecate! There's no other way around it. That, or it's actually her!"
"No way she's Hecate, she may have four spells, and maybe that's why Apollo is so vested in them, but she was way older, and her hair color doesn't match." another chimed in. "Furthermore, if she dyed her hair, it'd be noticeable. Even further, if she was actually there, then this War Game would have been over in a few seconds."
"Is it too late to change my bet?!" One shouted and most of the pub agreed.
Syr was watching with a child-like gleeful grin, but underneath that was a devilish smile. I made the right choice. Only one person in the Hostess could see through the façade.
"She learned well," Isaac grinned with a glint in his eyes, pleased.
The Loki Familia wondered the true extent of 'training' they went through. "You say you refined Irene's form, but she went berserk on them," Tione said.
"Absolutely, sis!" Tiona answered, "what she did was actually something Mr. Harpe used on Mr. Argonaut during training."
Everyone looked at him, "It was non-lethal, but Irene knew that sequence of moves better. I only got the jump on her because I was faking a different movement."
"How are you not level five?" Riveria asked.
"Excelia is terrible outside of Orario. I mean, with some experiences, we leveled up eventually, but I believe that after this, I need to do two things," Isaac said.
"And those are?" Finn asked, his attention split in between the Game and Isaac. He was impressed with how far she's come. His sibling is this good now, and we haven't seen him fight like his life depended on it. That, and the feeling that every time his intent rises. Something's going on here that we don't know. His thumb pulsed when he thought too deeply about it.
"Go on an adventure, and go on a date with Mikoto," he admitted with a small blush, resulting in teasing remarks from the Amazon sisters. Ais smiled slightly at the news but pouted soon after. Noticing, "Uhm, Ais?"
The Sword Princess looked to the quarter elf, "Yes?"
"I'll see if I can talk to someone, and see if I can convince him to take you out on a date. And before you all jump me," he planted, holding up his hands, "we all know him, we all love seeing him defy expectations, and we most certainly want him to succeed. So, Ais, if I can convince him to ask you out, are you going to accept that?"
Everyone had knowing smiles as they saw who he was talking about. Everyone except Ais, of course. Her head tilted in consideration. "I…" who wants to ask me out?
"Tell you what, it'll be a surprise," Isaac grinned, that same grin that Loki gets when she has a plan. Seeing her hesitation, he chose not to pressure her. Loki saw this, frowned for a moment, but shook her head with a smirk. Ais's happiness is one thing, and as much as I want to be selfish, Itty-Bitty's boy has brought a change to her. A positive change. I can let this slide for now.
Riveria smiled at her… this is the first time I'm referencing him as my son… her son. The realization finally fell on the High Elf's shoulders. This feeling… was yearning? A longing to have kids of my own? Being a parent was something that she's denied herself because she hasn't found anyone that meets her criteria. Even when Freya Familia's Hedin Selland has vied for her hand in marriage. Unfortunately, she knew it was her father's doing, trying to meddle in her life. Wonder what he'd say if I said I have two kids now…
"Wow, the Apollo Familia is getting smacked by six people. That must be embarrassing. I bet Dia and Lady Hestia are enjoying themselves right about now."
Apollo was sweating bullets right now. He knew the Titans were special, but he didn't realize how special she specifically was in terms of strength. Those he kept a cool composure, the smug looks from Dia and Hestia were grating on him. "Apollo, have you seen what my child is capable of?"
The thirtieth floor of Babel was dead silent. The Game had their attention yes, but all the eyes were on Dia, Hestia, and Apollo.
"And to think, imagine if my other child was there with him. Hestia's child hasn't had his time to shine either. I also understand your Captain hasn't shined as well," Dia continued. "We all warned you of what would happen if you challenged us. Remind me again what you said you'd give us if we won?" The question was directed at Apollo but Hermes gladly answered.
"He had said 'Anything you desire' if you won, Dia," the shifty God answered.
"So, we'll let you think about what we could possibly want while this plays out," Hestia said.
"Jeez, again Irene?" Dia mumbled to herself as she threw yet another Apollo Familia member. "Also, you need to keep them in line. They keep calling her a 'bitch', so she retaliates, harshly, and as much as I want her to stop, I think it's too funny," Dia admitted.
Hestia was snickering while the rest of the deities were outright laughing.
At least until a pillar of white light shot out of the highest point in the castle. Then, everything got serious. Hestia gained such a serious look that the deities got whiplash. If she out of everyone was being serious, then so should they.
Bell and Welf easily roamed the halls. They passed Ryuu outside, they passed Lili at the gate, they passed Mikoto and her gravity magic, and once they got inside and ascended to the second floor, they ran into a problem.
"You're not going anywhere, Little Rookie!" Daphne Lauros said. Behind her was a row of five mages. "You have to get past me if you want to advance. Mages, begin chanting.
Welf, however, had a counter to this. Holding out his hand, he spoke a short chant, "Burn out, illegal work."
*Will-o-Wisp!*
An invisible wind shot across the battlefield, this bridge connecting two portions of the castle together, and it collided with their staffs, causing the magic energy within to implode on itself, causing an Ignus Fatuus. That resulted in taking out the mages and Bell took the opportunity to rush forward past her.
Daphne tried to intercept but was then intercepted herself by Welf, "We need to settle this one ourselves. Bell has his own score to settle with your Captain." He pulled his greatsword off his back and got into a ready position. The swordswoman pulled her short sword into a ready position and mirrored him.
The woman was the first to make a move. She launched at him, but with him on the same level, he caught her easily with a wide parry. Momentum carried his blade around, and Daphne was barely able to dodge it coming around. In fact, she saw some loose strands of hair come off. "You're fast, a little faster than I was expecting, it shows what I know," Welf said, modestly complimenting her.
"Flattery will get you nowhere," Daphne responded before going low to aim for under his chest. No, she wasn't going for the groin, that's overkill. She only needed him out of the way so she could chase the rabbit.
Little did they know, Irene was watching curiously over them both. She was tempted to cast Living Shield on Welf, but she figured that this was a fight between them. Cassandra watched as well, and it looked like she wanted to help, but Irene produced a blade under her throat. Her eyes said 'Do not interfere,' and thankfully, Cassandra lowered her staff.
Welf, of course, did not just make two magic swords, he barely had enough time to make a couple daggers, one for Lili in case. The other one was for him. With his free hand, he pulled out an earth-based magic dagger. "I can't believe she managed to convince me to make this…" With a quick thrust, a barrage of rocks whipped in the direction of Daphne.
Unfortunately for her, she wasn't able to dodge all of them and some stray rocks scraped her face, arms, and chest. "You carried one on you?"
"News flash, this wasn't my suggestion. I didn't even want to use it, but right now, I'm wondering why he would go this far. I'd assume you don't know," Welf said, putting the dagger away.
Daphne rose from the ground and wiped the blood from her face, "I don't."
"So, stand down, or I'll let Aspis have a piece of you," Welf said, revealing Irene's presence.
Daphne looked up to see Irene holding a blade over Cassandra's throat. With a questioning look, Cassandra spoke, "She's scary when she's angry."
"At least you weren't the pervert who I think was getting off to me whispering a threat into his ear," Irene visibly recoiled, making sure the blade was away from her throat.
"Oh, you met Joel, he's got a thing for dirty talk," Daphne said with her own disgust. He was very vocal about it.
"Are we supposed to be fighting?" Cassandra asked.
"If we fought, you'd be on the ground, broken and bleeding. Just because I'm a mage primarily, doesn't mean I won't break your bones," Irene said.
Daphne felt all the ire pile on and she froze, "Are you sure you're level three?!"
"Have been for five years," she responded flatly.
Cassandra froze, the time is coming. The Rabbit's confrontation.
They were all cut off as—you guessed it—a beam of white light pierced the sky.
"Holy hell, Bell, could you be any more expressive?"
Everyone thought the same thing, but Irene was the one to express it.
...
Smokescreen: Swift Strike Magic. Creates a smoke that blinds those not allied to the caster. Great for stealth or sneaking around/between enemies. Chant - Smokescreen!
Shockwave: Swift Strike Magic. Air element. This creates a wind blade, visible when cast, that slices enemies. Empowered if user has Mage development ability. Chant - Shockwave!